Saudi artist designs festive collection for home goods giant

The Layaly Al-Khair collection merges vibrant and dynamic traditional elements with lively contemporary energy. (Supplied)
The Layaly Al-Khair collection merges vibrant and dynamic traditional elements with lively contemporary energy. (Supplied)
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Updated 23 March 2024
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Saudi artist designs festive collection for home goods giant

The Layaly Al-Khair collection merges vibrant and dynamic traditional elements with lively contemporary energy. (Supplied)
  • “I love to curate things on the table and to stack things,” Balkhair told Arab News

RIYADH: Saudi artist Ethar Balkhair’s first collaboration with Kuwait-based home goods giant, Abyat, which translates from Arabic to “homes,” recently dropped in time for the holy month.

With green-tinted clear glassware, plates, gahwa cups and other accessories, Balkhair wants to help families break bread and break their fasts while enjoying a bit of her family’s story inserted into yours.




The Layaly Al-Khair collection merges vibrant and dynamic traditional elements with lively contemporary energy. (Supplied)

Inspired by meals at her late grandfather’s house during Ramadan as a child, Balkhair recalls enjoying picking out the clear but colored plates stacked on the table and watching as the color changed with the light or the food placed on top. That visual memory stayed with her and when she was given the opportunity to design this collection, she brought out elements of it into the present day. Abyat allowed her to bring her vision to the masses and share that with anyone who wished to pick up parts, or all of her collection, from their stores.

“I love to curate things on the table and to stack things,” Balkhair told Arab News. “My aim was to create a theme that celebrates the beauty of Ramadan and reflects our shared values and similarities that are at the heart of our cultural identity — in a fun and engaging way.”




The Layaly Al-Khair collection merges vibrant and dynamic traditional elements with lively contemporary energy. (Supplied)

In this collection, she wanted to visually express the emotions that many would experience during iftar, through merging vibrant and dynamic traditional elements with lively contemporary energy. She illustrated a dancing pattern that casts a shadow of the palm tree design on the table as the light changed, or while stacked.

One of the things Balkhair loved about Ramadan was household traditions to break fast. Usually, loved ones gathered around as the call for prayer lingered in the background, seated at a communal table populated with an array of foods as the sound of the clinking of glasses and spoons filled the air before rushing to pray. She noticed how when she visited other people’s houses during the holy month, they would serve variations of the same dishes or have their own little traditions — but the rituals usually were mostly the same. She kept this in mind while designing.

My aim was to create a theme that celebrates the beauty of Ramadan and reflects our shared values and similarities that are at the heart of our cultural identity — in a fun and engaging way.

Ethar Balkhair, Saudi artist

The price point in the collection is typically under SR100 ($26); with the most expensive items selling for SR195 and the least expensive at SR32. The most popular items, the dinner plate set (which comes in a box of four), and the six-piece glass set (which has three tints of colors), each goes for SR89. The collection also has a family-style salad bowl and a fun and functional salad serve-ware set.




The Layaly Al-Khair collection merges vibrant and dynamic traditional elements with lively contemporary energy. (Supplied)

While Balkhair grew up in Jeddah, she was also mindful of all the other ways in which the collection could be used around the Kingdom.

The collection includes large baskets in two designs, meant to be filled with candy for the traditional practice of Gargee’an, the celebratory custom in mid-Ramadan that is mostly practiced in the Eastern Province and the neighboring Gulf countries, including Kuwait — the home of Abyat — where children would go door-to-door to exchange sweets and goodies while wearing traditional attire.

There is also a jug, a charger plate and several other options all created in what Abyat describes as the “urban modern and natural” style. The small spoons that come with the smaller dessert bowls also give nostalgic vibes, with palm trees intricately carved out in a delicate way. That palm tree, the signature symbol of the Kingdom, is also evident on some of the other plates and glasses, showcasing the Saudi narrative.




The Layaly Al-Khair collection merges vibrant and dynamic traditional elements with lively contemporary energy. (Supplied)

“I wanted the elements to reflect my life now but has the traditional feel, but with a more modern look. I wanted to make it fun so you will not get bored,” she said.

Since the dessert bowls are clear, it changes colors with whatever you put in it, whether it be a rich creme caramel or jiggly bright-red jelly.

“It’s exciting. This is the cheerful childhood emotion I want to bring to everyone’s table this Ramadan, including my own,” she said.




The Layaly Al-Khair collection merges vibrant and dynamic traditional elements with lively contemporary energy. (Supplied)

Of the collection, Abyat said: “The Layaly Al-Khair collection includes dining and home accessories that embody the depth of an authentic custom, where history meets the present in a beautiful scene of heritage. This collection was designed in collaboration with Saudi designer Ethar Balkhair, in support of local talent.”

Balkhair also noted how the name of the collection, which translates to “good nights” from Arabic, was derived from her family name — something Abyat surprised her with.

“My mother and father were over the moon when they realized that Abyat gave us a shout-out with the name of the collection,” she said.




The Layaly Al-Khair collection merges vibrant and dynamic traditional elements with lively contemporary energy. (Supplied)

The two candle-holders in the collection also serve as a modern twist on the traditional fanoos lanterns.

Asmaa Gadri, who lives in Jeddah, picked up a pair of those candle-holders after seeing them at her local branch.

“I fell in love instantly when I saw them,” Gadri told Arab News. “They’re so beautiful and I’m even more happy now that you’ve told me it’s by a Saudi designer,” she said.




The Layaly Al-Khair collection merges vibrant and dynamic traditional elements with lively contemporary energy. (Supplied)

Balkhair has collaborated with numerous companies to create curated collections before, such as her work with Nivea Creme, Bobbi Brown and Sephora, among other brands. But in each of those collaborations, they were for niche audiences, only meant for specific customers or to be used for a limited time.

This was the first opportunity where she designed for the entire family — from the youngest to the oldest member and those in between.

Balkhair hopes people such as Gadri would consider using her collection all year long. She does not want her collection to be something to be pulled out of a box or dusty cupboard and washed to be used once a year or only on a special occasion.

“I want to connect your story to my story, I love to emit emotion and let people connect. I want to celebrate the cheerful gathering! In my childhood, Ramadan gave me joy — it wasn’t just Eid,” Balkhair said.

“I am excited to produce a product that involves things we can use daily — not only in Ramadan,” she said. “But, first, I hope people eat the best foods and have the most blessed month. I joke that Ramadan would be sponsored by me,” Balkhair said with a laugh.

The collection will be available during Ramadan at Abyat stores Kingdom-wide and online.

 


Advanced limb surgery at King Faisal Hospital restores child’s mobility

Advanced limb surgery at King Faisal Hospital restores child’s mobility
Updated 56 min 30 sec ago
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Advanced limb surgery at King Faisal Hospital restores child’s mobility

Advanced limb surgery at King Faisal Hospital restores child’s mobility
  • Innovative approach was a significant advance in pediatric orthopedic oncology in the Middle East
  • Success was made possible through collaboration between oncology, orthopedic, and rehabilitation specialists

RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre successfully reconstructed the lower limb of an 8-year-old child after removing a malignant bone tumor, avoiding amputation and restoring normal walking ability.

The innovative approach was a significant advance in pediatric orthopedic oncology in the Middle East, offering hope to children facing similar conditions, according to a report.

Given the child’s continuing skeletal growth, the medical team used advanced techniques to ensure proper bone development and limb stability post-surgery.

By combining sports medicine and ligament surgery methods, the reconstruction preserved limb functionality, allowing natural growth and gradual mobility recovery without the need for prosthetics.

The success was made possible through collaboration between oncology, orthopedic, and rehabilitation specialists, using cutting-edge 3D imaging and precise surgical planning.

This achievement offers a new alternative to amputation in pediatric bone cancer treatment and highlights the hospital’s commitment to medical innovation and specialized care. The hospital plans to expand this technique in collaboration with international medical centers.


Saudi-Japan textile partnership weaves sustainability, innovation in Riyadh

Saudi-Japan textile partnership weaves sustainability, innovation in Riyadh
Updated 19 February 2025
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Saudi-Japan textile partnership weaves sustainability, innovation in Riyadh

Saudi-Japan textile partnership weaves sustainability, innovation in Riyadh

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission is working on strengthening partnerships with Japan in fashion and textile.

The commission hosted “A Journey into Japanese Textile Mastery” in collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organization, bringing together leading textile manufacturers, designers and industry experts from both countries.

Held at Future Creative Residence in Riyadh, the event focused on high-quality materials, sustainability and innovation. 

It featured a panel discussion with insights from industry experts, including Ammar Bogari, general manager of the Fashion Commission; Asma Al-Othaimeen, co-founder of Chaldene Loungewear; and Japanese representatives from FAO International and Itochu Corp.

Discussions centered on the potential for Japanese textiles to influence Saudi brands, particularly in craftsmanship, sustainable production and luxury materials.

“Our goal at the Fashion Commission is to not only develop Saudi Arabia’s fashion industry but to establish it as a major player in the global market,” Bogari told Arab News.

The event also showcased an exhibition space featuring renowned Japanese textile companies, including Curlelabo, Maker’s Shirt Kamakura, Shindo, Uni Textile, and Parfait Textile.

Attendees explored the latest fabric technologies, materials and high-quality textiles designed to support both emerging and established Saudi designers.

Al-Othaimeen emphasized the importance of integrating Japanese precision and attention to detail into local sustainable fashion.

“The Japanese are known for their quality and their dedication to paying attention to details, and these are important for a sustainable brand. Merging our values together will help us work better,” she said.

Vivian Huang, co-founder of Parfait Textile, highlighted the advantage of Japanese craftsmanship and its appeal to small and growing brands.

“Japanese fabric has high quality, and they do some by hand, so it’s different … we can deliver small orders, so we can support small brands that just started and want to get big,” Huang said.

One of the key displays at the event focused on the history of Japan’s fabric trade relations with Saudi Arabia, illustrating how Japanese textile exports have evolved over the decades, with synthetic textiles being a major export today, particularly for traditional Saudi attire.

The event concluded with a networking session, allowing Saudi designers and business owners to explore potential collaborations with Japanese manufacturers, strengthening the growing relationship between the two countries in the fashion sector.


Tajik ambassador praises KSrelief’s humanitarian work

Tajik ambassador praises KSrelief’s humanitarian work
Updated 19 February 2025
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Tajik ambassador praises KSrelief’s humanitarian work

Tajik ambassador praises KSrelief’s humanitarian work
  • Saudi aid agency to send doctors to perform pediatric heart surgeries after Ramadan

Riyadh: Akram Karimi, Tajikistan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, praised the Kingdom’s relief and humanitarian efforts through the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, which supports those in need in the Central Asian country.

The envoy met with KSrelief Assistant Supervisor General for Planning and Development Aqeel Al-Ghamdi in Riyadh to discuss relief and humanitarian matters, as well as ways to enhance humanitarian efforts in Tajikistan.

Karimi told Arab News that during his meeting with Al-Ghamdi, he discussed cooperation between Tajikistan and KSrelief and conveyed his government’s gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its support in implementing humanitarian and social programs.

He highlighted KSrelief as one of the leading institutions operating in Tajikistan in the fields of relief, humanitarian, and social activities, noting that the agency has undertaken more than 25 projects in the country, with funding exceeding $16 million.

Of future cooperation, Karimi said they explored ways to strengthen collaboration, particularly in priority sectors such as healthcare.

He added: “We reached an agreement on the visit of a team of Saudi doctors to Tajikistan after the holy month of Ramadan to hold a medical campaign to perform voluntary surgeries for children with heart failure.”


Kingdom exhibits rare manuscripts in Doha

Kingdom exhibits rare manuscripts in Doha
Updated 19 February 2025
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Kingdom exhibits rare manuscripts in Doha

Kingdom exhibits rare manuscripts in Doha

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Libraries Commission is showcasing several rare manuscripts outlining the nation’s heritage at the ongoing Saudi Cultural Week in Doha. 

The event, organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture in collaboration with its Qatari counterpart, began on Tuesday and will end on Feb. 21.

Being held at Darb Al-Saai, it aims to highlight Saudi Arabia’s culture and promote international exchange as a part of Vision 2030, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The event also has programs and projects aimed at developing the library sector and enhancing access to knowledge.

This participation aligns with the commission’s efforts to elevate Saudi Arabia’s culture globally, strengthen ties with Qatar, and engage Gulf and international audiences, the SPA report added. 

The Kingdom’s Year of Handicrafts 2025 initiative is being showcased for the first time at the event, with a dedicated corner offering information about the project. 

Ten skilled Saudi Arabia artisans are displaying traditional arts and handicrafts, including Al-Hasawi Bisht weaving and tailoring (a traditional men’s outer cloak), Al-Sadu weaving (a traditional textile), and iqal crafting (a traditional headband).

There are several interactive screens illustrating various handicrafts and their unique characteristics.

The event also features live culinary demonstrations by five top Saudi Arabia chefs, where visitors can sample authentic dishes from the Kingdom.


Boris Johnson praises Kingdom’s rapid transformation at Saudi Media Forum

Boris Johnson praises Kingdom’s rapid transformation at Saudi Media Forum
Updated 19 February 2025
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Boris Johnson praises Kingdom’s rapid transformation at Saudi Media Forum

Boris Johnson praises Kingdom’s rapid transformation at Saudi Media Forum
  • Former PM commends crown prince as a ‘leader with courage’
  • Compares rapid development in Saudi Arabia with UK’s sluggish progress

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s bold leadership and rapid transformation under Vision 2030 should serve as a model for other nations, former UK prime minister Boris Johnson said today at the Saudi Media Forum in Riyadh.

Comparing the Kingdom’s accelerated economic and infrastructure development to the UK’s sluggish progress, Johnson highlighted Saudi Arabia’s ability to execute large-scale projects efficiently, crediting its decisive leadership for the shift.

“I visited NEOM eight years ago, and there was absolutely nothing there. Now, Saudi Arabia has built world-class resorts, with 12,000 hotel rooms under development,” he said. “Meanwhile, in the UK, we still struggle to complete one railway.”

Johnson praised Vision 2030 as the foundation of Saudi Arabia’s progress, highlighting its role in economic diversification, infrastructure expansion and social reforms. “Fifty percent of the Saudi economy is now non-oil,” he said, citing the Kingdom’s shift toward tourism, technology and renewable energy as key indicators of success.

Women’s empowerment also featured prominently in his remarks. Johnson highlighted that Saudi women’s participation in the technology workforce now surpasses that of Silicon Valley and Europe. “Look at the speed of change,” he said. “We in the UK need to learn from this.”

Beyond economic reforms, Johnson acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s rising diplomatic and geopolitical influence. He referenced its role in global discussions and peace initiatives, calling the Kingdom a key player in shaping the region’s future.

On the crisis in Gaza, Johnson called for strong leadership and reconciliation, urging the need for leaders with the courage to push for peace. “Saudi Arabia is playing a historic role in bringing long-term peace and prosperity to the region,” he said.

Johnson contrasted Saudi Arabia’s ability to execute large-scale projects quickly with the bureaucratic delays plaguing infrastructure development in the UK. “You’ve spent $68 billion on these projects, and we still can’t complete one railway,” he said, referencing the UK’s stalled High Speed 2 rail project.

“Saudi Arabia is a country where things are happening with incredible speed and decisiveness. Frankly, we need to learn that in the UK,” he added.

Shifting focus to media and public perception, Johnson criticized the role of social media algorithms in shaping biased narratives. He said that platforms like YouTube and Twitter often reinforce pre-existing beliefs rather than providing balanced perspectives. “We need to ensure the media presents balanced facts, rather than reinforcing pre-existing biases,” he added.

Reflecting on his own career, Johnson discussed his transition from journalism to politics, and said that he wanted to shift from critiquing policy to actively shaping it. “As a journalist, you throw rocks. As a politician, you build,” he added.

Johnson also pointed to the difficulty of leadership in a social media-driven world, where political figures face instant scrutiny and polarized opinions.

Concluding the session, Johnson praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership, quoting Winston Churchill: “Courage is the most important virtue, and this country is fortunate to have a leader with courage.”

The Saudi Media Forum 2025, held in Riyadh from Feb. 19-21, brings together global media figures, policymakers and industry leaders to discuss the future of media, governance and international relations.